Cauvery Row Sparks Sharp Clash Between Vijay and Udhayanidhi in Tamil Nadu Assembly

New Delhi, August 07, 2026 The long-standing Cauvery water dispute dominated proceedings in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Friday, triggering a heated exchange between Chief Minister Joseph Vijay and Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin. The debate centred on Karnataka's proposed Mekedatu dam project and the Tamil Nadu government's response to it, highlighting the continuing political and legal tensions surrounding water sharing between the two states. Udhayanidhi Stalin questioned the government's handling of the issue, alleging that it had failed to take sufficient measures to prevent Karnataka from moving ahead with the Mekedatu dam. He demanded that the Chief Minister explain in the Assembly the actions taken to oppose the project. In response, Vijay said the Assembly had already passed a resolution against the dam and reminded the House that he had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing Tamil Nadu's opposition. "We will do whatever it takes to safeguard the interests of Tamil Nadu farmers," the Chief Minister said. Vijay also countered the criticism by claiming that it was the DMK government in 1969 that had initially permitted the Karnataka project. The discussion intensified when Udhayanidhi urged the government to convene an all-party meeting on the Mekedatu issue, pointing out that political parties in Karnataka had presented a united stand. "Karnataka convened an all-party meet. For their rights, they have united as a single team," he said, asking why the Tamil Nadu government was unwilling to adopt a similar approach. He also questioned reports about Vijay's proposed visit to Bengaluru, alleging that the government had first indicated such a plan before later distancing itself from it following criticism. Responding to the remarks, Vijay defended the idea of dialogue with Karnataka, saying discussions were a constructive way to address disputes. "When hostile countries are trying to solve issues through talks, I thought of having talks with our neighbouring state. Some asked what if we are humiliated out of such an attempt. Even if that happened, I am ready to get humiliated for the people of Tamil Nadu," he said. The Mekedatu project, which proposes a reservoir to supply drinking water to Bengaluru and generate hydroelectric power, remains a major point of disagreement. While Karnataka maintains that Tamil Nadu's share of Cauvery water will not be affected, Tamil Nadu continues to oppose the project over concerns about its water rights. The state government has also raised objections with the Centre, questioning why Karnataka's revised proposal is being considered despite Tamil Nadu's opposition.